Lovers & Players (25 page)

M
ax was waiting when Amy walked out of the hospital. He jumped out of his car and grabbed her in a hug. ‘You’re really a remarkable girl,’ he said, squeezing her tight.

‘I’m not so remarkable,’ she said, extracting herself.

‘Yes, you are,’ he insisted. ‘You stood up to your mother–you actually walked out on her. I don’t care about you missing our rehearsal dinner because I didn’t want it in the first place, but Nancy was
not
happy.’

‘I’m sure she got over it after a while.’

‘She did,’ he said, holding open the car door for her.

‘Good,’ she said, sliding into the passenger seat.

‘Thank God I had Chris and Jett for support. I’m really getting to know the two of them. It’s nice.’

‘Did they, uh, stay for the whole party?’ she asked, thinking that, as far as she was concerned, it wasn’t nice at all. In her eyes, Max bonding with his brothers was a disaster.

‘Let’s just say they did their brotherly duty,’ Max said. ‘And, as I told you on the phone, Gianna was charming everyone.’

‘Wonderful.’

‘You met Gianna, didn’t you?’

‘That Italian woman?’

‘Yes. She’s Jett’s steady girlfriend. They live together in Italy. Apparently she’s a top model there.’

‘Nigel told me. She’s doing the ad campaign for Courtenelli.’

‘What a striking girl,’ Max said admiringly. ‘And a lot of fun.’

‘I’m sure she is,’ Amy said, wishing he’d stop singing the woman’s praises.

‘Not as gorgeous as my Amy, though,’ Max said, reaching over to pat her on the knee.

‘How long are they staying in New York?’ Amy asked, attempting to sound casual.

‘Who?’

‘Gianna and, uh…Jett.’ It was an effort to speak his name.

‘I didn’t ask,’ Max said. ‘I’d like it if they could stay around for the wedding. Your mother would have to rearrange her seating, but I’m sure she can deal with that.’

Oh, yes, Jett at her wedding. How exciting was
that
?

She decided she had to do something special to make it up to Max. The guilt was killing her–especially now that she knew the identity of her mystery man.

‘You need to get some sleep,’ Max said, glancing at her. ‘What with the party and the upcoming wedding, you’re under a tremendous strain.’

‘No, I’m not,’ she objected.

‘You simply don’t know it, sweetie.’

‘Max,’ she said, putting her hand on his arm.

‘Yes?’

‘I’d like to go to
your
apartment.’

‘
My
apartment?’ he said, surprised. ‘Why?’

‘I was thinking that, since I ran out on our party, it might be nice if we spent some quiet time together.’

‘It’s late,’ he said, checking his watch.

‘I know.’

‘And tomorrow’s Monday.’

‘I know that too. But I still want to come to your apartment.’

‘Uh…Lulu and her nanny are staying the night.’

‘They’ll be asleep, won’t they?’

‘Yes.’

‘Then it’s okay if I come over.’

‘If that’s what you want,’ he said reluctantly.

‘Yes, Max,’ she said softly. ‘That’s exactly what I want.’

‘So,’ Gianna said, twirling her multiple bangles up and down her arm. ‘This friend of yours, what she do?’

‘Beverly’s a top make-up artist,’ Jett said, hailing a cab. ‘You’re gonna love her. Everyone does.’

‘You and this
friend
–you do the wild thing?’

‘Babe!’ he said, laughing. ‘No
way
. Bev and I are purely platonic.’

‘Americans are so
timido
about sex,’ Gianna teased, getting in the cab. ‘In Italy is
bene
to have sex with good friend. Nothing wrong, huh,
carino?
’

‘You’re crazy,’ he said, jumping into the cab beside her.

‘Where we meet your friend?’

‘A drink at Gatsby’s, then she’s taking us to a party. That’s if you’re not too beat.’

‘Me?’ she said, laughing gaily. ‘Gianna
never
get tired. Pour me champagne and I’m good as new.’

Rushing into his apartment ahead of Amy, Max switched on lights and activated music.

‘I’m not a guest, you know,’ Amy said, following him in and smiling. ‘You don’t have to entertain me.’

‘You very rarely come here,’ he said.

‘That’s because you never invite me.’

‘We’re engaged, sweetheart. You’ll be moving in here soon. Surely you know you’re welcome at any time. I should give you a key.’

They had decided that after the wedding, Amy would move in with him until they found a new apartment she could decorate any way she wanted. She hadn’t really given it much thought–getting married was scary enough.

‘Can I get you a drink?’ he asked.

‘Orange juice. Is there a juicer in the kitchen?’

‘I have no idea
what’s
in the kitchen. My housekeeper takes care of that department.’

‘Let’s go see.’

His kitchen looked like it was never used. She found a juicer in one of the cabinets, and some oranges in the fridge.

‘Shall I squeeze you some too?’ she asked, slicing the oranges in half.

‘Do I look like I need a dose of vitamin C?’ he said, amused.

‘No, in fact I’ve been meaning to tell you how handsome you look tonight. I was proud to be at the party with you. Oh, yes, and I
loved
our slide show. You were such a serious little boy–do you realize you never smiled?’

‘And
you
were unbearably cute.’

‘Unbearably?’

‘I meant that as a compliment.’

She handed him a glass of juice. ‘Drink up. It’s good for you.’

‘
You
’re good for me,’ he said, coming up behind her and nuzzling her neck. ‘You really are, Amy.’

‘I hope you understand why I had to leave the party tonight,’ she said quietly. ‘Tina needed me, and I promised her that when the time came I’d be there.’

‘It’s admirable that you were there for your best friend.’

They moved into the living room and sat down on the couch. Amy snuggled up close and began to kiss him.

After a few moments he pulled away. ‘Amy,’ he said warningly, ‘don’t get me all hot and bothered, then go home.’

‘That wasn’t my intention.’

‘Okay,
what
?’ he said, bemused.

‘Well,’ she said slowly. ‘We’re getting married soon, and even though I told you I wanted to wait, I was thinking that tonight we should…do it.’

‘Now, hold on’ he said, startled.

‘Don’t you want to?’

‘Well, yes,’ he responded, although he wasn’t at all sure that tonight was the night to sleep with his fiancée for the first time. Mariska and her threats regarding Vladimir were on his mind. Not to mention the upcoming face-to-face with Red, followed by the crucial meeting with the Japanese bankers. And as if that wasn’t enough, Lulu and Nanny Reece were sleeping in the guest room. Amy’s timing was totally off.

‘Then…can I spend the night?’ Amy asked, unaware of what was going on in his mind.

‘Are you
sure
about this?’ he said, wondering how he could talk her out of it.

‘Absolutely.’

There was the usual pushing and shoving crowd gathered outside Gatsby’s. Jett felt like a regular when the doorman waved him through as if he was an old friend. Hey, nobody was about to stop the fabulous Gianna. She blew the doorman a series of kisses, making the man’s night.

They found Beverly and Chet ensconced at a corner table downing apple martinis. Beverly waved them over. ‘One drink, then let’s go party!’ she called out.

‘
Ciao!
’ Gianna said, dazzling everyone with her smile and flamboyant style.

‘I’m a fan,’ Beverly said, acknowledging the Italian supermodel. ‘Seen you in all the Italian magazines.’

‘
Grazie
,’ Gianna said, loving any form of attention.

‘An’ here’s the news of the day,’ Beverly added. ‘I’m booked to do the make-up for your Courtenelli shoot.’

‘
Bene!
’ Gianna laughed. ‘This
piccolo
world, no?’

‘Yeah,’ Beverly said, grinning. ‘
Very
small.’

‘Jett, he do photos too,’ Gianna announced.

‘You mean I finally get my hands on that face?’ Beverly exclaimed.

‘Is nice face,’ Gianna said affectionately, patting his cheek. ‘
Bello, si
?’

Chet was his usual non-talkative self, but Gianna quickly found out what he did and plied him with questions about his music. He soon livened up–she had that effect on men.

After twenty minutes Beverly suggested it was time to make a move.

‘You
sure
you wanna go?’ Jett asked Gianna, hoping she would flake out so they could go home and he could let his mind run riot about Amy, and what he was going to do regarding their totally fucked-up situation.

‘We go,’ she said, laughing that he should think otherwise. She winked at Beverly. ‘These boys, they have–how you say?–no
energia
. You and me, we like to party–
sì?
’

‘You bet your ass,’ Beverly agreed, smiling broadly.

Now that they were alone in Max’s bedroom it was awkward. They stood at the end of his oversize masculine-style bed, all dark wood and chocolate brown sheets. They’d been kissing for a while, but he didn’t seem in any hurry to take it further.

Amy realized she needed something to loosen up, she was treading on uncharted territory and it was making her nervous. Sleeping with Jett had been so spontaneous and unplanned–they’d fallen into bed together, filled with desire and passion. It had been a lustful, crazy and, most of all, insanely pleasurable experience.

Tonight with Max was different. First, she was stone-cold sober. Second, Max wasn’t making much of a move:
she
was the one kissing him, and although he was responding, he was allowing
her
to set the pace. Also he wasn’t the greatest kisser in the world.

‘I think I’d like a drink,’ she said, in a small voice.

‘What kind of drink?’ he asked, drawing away from her.

‘Vodka,’ she said tentatively.

‘Sweetie, you
never
drink hard liquor.’

‘I’ll make an exception.’

‘Look,’ he said, ‘if this is making you uncomfortable—’

‘No, Max,’ she said vehemently. ‘I
want
us to be together.’

‘So do I, sweetie, but tonight might not be the right time.’

‘The thing is, I need to relax,’ she said, ignoring him, ‘and a drink’ll do it. I missed out on the champagne at our party, so one little vodka won’t hurt.’

‘Amy,’ he said seriously, ‘you’re stressed out. And, much as I’d love you to spend the night, I think we should wait.’

‘You do?’

‘We’ll be married soon, so why rush into something you might regret?’

‘But, Max—’

‘No buts,’ he said resolutely. ‘Believe me, I
know
what’s best for you.’

How humiliating was this? Her husband-to-be had no desire to sleep with her. He was turning her down flat. Oh,
God!
She felt like such a fool.

‘Get your coat, sweetie,’ he said, heading out of the bedroom. ‘I’m taking you home.’

With that he picked up his car keys from the hall table and started for the front door.

P
arty-time meant loud music, plenty of booze, writhing, sweaty bodies, and an over-abundance of weed–so strong a person could get a contact high merely breathing the air.

This was all taking place in the living room of Slick Jimmy’s basement house in Harlem, which he shared with two other rappers. The place was a comfortable dump with an insanely expensive sound system that was blasting heavy-core rap.

Cindi hit the scene and was in heaven. Liberty found a corner to lurk in, wishing she had not allowed Cindi to talk her into coming. But that was their relationship, wasn’t it? Cindi was forever talking her into things she didn’t want to do.

‘You let that ’ho walk all over you,’ Kev often complained. ‘Whyn’t you dump her an’ move in with me? You don’t need her.’

‘Cindi’s like my
sister
, Kev, so don’t be calling her a ’ho.’

‘She uses you ’cause you’re so fine an’ she’s so
not
fine.’

‘That’s not a very nice way to talk. Cindi would do anything for me.’

Although sometimes she wasn’t so sure. Cindi
did
have a pushy way about her, and tonight was a prime example. Here she was, at a party she didn’t want to be at, sitting in a corner by herself, while Cindi was out there in the midst of it, coming onto every guy she could get her hands on.

But then again, Cindi and her mom had taken her in when Diahann had pushed her out. She’d lived with them as though she
was
Cindi’s sister, and when it was time to move out, she and Cindi had done it together. It was Cindi who’d found them an apartment and scored them jobs at the coffee shop. Cindi had
always
watched out for her and, yeah, maybe her cousin did use her sometimes because she was better-looking, but so what? Looks weren’t everything, and Cindi had a great big heart.

Since she didn’t know anyone at the party, Liberty found herself stuck in the corner sorting through the many CDs stacked next to the sound system.

‘Finding anything you like?’ asked a familiar voice.

She turned round. It was Maleek. ‘Oh, hi,’ she said, pleased to see someone she knew.

‘You did great today,’ Maleek said. ‘You could make yourself a living appearing in videos. You got the look.’

‘I have no plans to be The Girl in the video,’ she said, half smiling. ‘I’m a singer-songwriter–didn’t I tell you?’

‘Maybe you did an’ maybe you didn’t,’ Maleek said, swigging from a bottle of beer. ‘But in
my
experience you gotta use what you got. I wanted to be a dancer and look what happened to me.’

‘Directing’s way cool.’

‘
I
enjoy it, and so does my wife. You should meet her–she’s smart, like you.’

‘You’re married?’ Liberty asked, pleased that Maleek considered her smart.

‘Surprised?’

‘You’re young to be married.’

Maleek shrugged. ‘Twenty-eight. Got married ’cause my wife was knocked up an’ I didn’t want to bring another child into the world who wasn’t sure who her daddy was.’

‘That’s cool,’ Liberty said. ‘What does your wife do?’

‘She’s a dancer,’ he said proudly.

‘Was she at the shoot today?’

‘No, honey, not
that
kinda dancer. My wife’s a ballet dancer.’

‘Wow! That’s impressive.’

‘Yeah, she’s one talented white woman,’ he said, taking another swig of beer. ‘You’re bi-racial, right?’

‘I’m not sure
what
I am,’ Liberty said, shrugging. ‘My mom’s always telling me I’m black, but I have a feeling there’s some white blood running through my veins.’

‘You don’t know who your father is? Is that where this conversation’s headin’?’

‘I never got to meet him. He died before I was born.’

‘Must’ve bin tough for you,’ Maleek said sympathetically.

‘My mom raised me. She
was
a singer, but she gave it up.’

‘To do what?’

‘It doesn’t matter.’

‘Something bad you can’t tell me?’

‘Something dumb I don’t
want
to tell you.’

‘Here comes my wife,’ Maleek said, as a brittle-looking white woman at least ten years older than him approached. Her dark hair was scraped back into a tight bun, and she wore a long white dress. She did not seem particularly friendly as she gave Liberty a cursory nod, took Maleek’s arm and said, ‘You need to come with me.’ She promptly dragged him away.

So much for new friendships.

Cindi was out on the dance-floor rockin’ an’ rollin’ with Slick Jimmy. Large as she was, she had plenty of rhythm and an abundance of style–Cindi could shake it with the best of them.

Liberty wondered how long she’d have to stay at the party before she could leave, grab a cab and go home. Cindi wouldn’t even notice she’d left.

So why was she waiting? Who did she think was going to appear? Damon?

Yeah, sure.

She looked around the room and thought, Why would Damon choose to hang with these people? They were just a bunch of stoners and Damon didn’t fit in. Although Maleek was here, so maybe Damon
would
come.

She wished Kev was with her. There was something soul-destroying about being at a party by yourself–it looked like you were trying to hook up or get laid, and she wasn’t into doing either of those things.

Very slowly she began edging towards the door.

And then it happened. Just as she was almost there, Damon appeared.

As usual he was Mr Cool. Tonight he was all in black, a giant diamond cross hanging round his neck, diamond studs in both ears, a circular watch, studded with diamonds, and a short fur coat flung casually around his shoulders.

He gave her a quick glance, not at all surprised to see her. ‘Hey, Liberty,’ he said, flashing a friendly smile. ‘I got a new name for you.’

‘You do?’ she said, determined to remain calm.

‘Yeah, from now on I’m callin’ you LL.’

‘LL?’ she questioned.

‘Lady Liberty,’ he said, with a lazy grin. ‘You dig?’

‘If you say so.’

‘You’re not leaving?’

‘Uh…yes,’ she managed. ‘I kinda am.’

‘Got a ride?’

‘Oh, sure,’ she murmured, recovering her composure. ‘I never go anywhere without my car and driver. He even drops me off at the coffee shop every morning.’

‘Funny girl.’

‘You think?’

They exchanged a long look.

‘I gotta go say hello to Slick Jimmy, mebbe hang for ten minutes,’ Damon said. ‘If you wanna wait around, I’ll drop you somewhere.’

‘That’s okay,’ she said, feeling his heat.

‘You don’t wanna ride with me?’ he said, pinning her with his sexy eyes.

‘I didn’t say that,’ she said, trying to control the dizzying effect he had on her.

‘So chill,’ he said. ‘I’ll go say hi to Jimmy, then we’ll split.’

‘Okay,’ she found herself saying.

‘You hungry?’

‘I ate at my aunt’s place. She’s kind of a major cook.’

‘What’d she make?’ he asked, moving closer, enabling her to get a whiff of his expensive cologne.

‘Um, let me see. Tonight she made fried chicken, honey spare ribs and monkey bread. Lots of good things.’

‘Sounds like I need an invite.’

‘I don’t think hanging at Aunt Aretha’s is exactly your scene.’

‘Why not? Restaurant food gets tired, baby. There’s times I
crave
a little down-home cookin’.’

‘You do?’ she said, wondering if his wife ever hustled her expensive ass into the kitchen. Probably not.

‘Hey,’ he said, zeroing in with those eyes of his, ‘I’m a normal man with normal appetites.’

‘I’ll see what I can arrange,’ she said, thinking there was nothing normal about Damon P. Donnell. Then she started imagining Aunt Aretha’s face if she ever got a close-up look at Damon’s outrageous bling. She’d crap herself!

Casually he took her hand and led her over to Slick Jimmy, who was busy doing his thing with Cindi. The two of them were not so much dancing, more like a whole lot of shaking and touching. Suddenly Liberty realized she felt very comfortable with Damon, they were totally in sync.

‘Hey, it’s my
man
!’ Slick Jimmy yelled, stopping everything. The two men banged fists, followed by a macho hug.

Cindi shot Liberty a
what-is-goin’-on-here?
look, while Liberty attempted to stay casual. Then Damon let go of her hand and went over to greet Maleek. Liberty noticed that Maleek’s wife cheered up at the sight of Damon–the woman actually managed a tight-assed smile. After a few minutes of standing there, Liberty made her way back to her corner. She didn’t think it was cool to be trailing around behind Damon looking like she was some girl he’d picked up and was about to take home and screw.

The music was getting louder, the air was getting smokier, and she wondered how long it would be before Damon chose to leave. She decided to give him ten minutes and then, ride or no ride, she was out of there.

Twenty minutes later Beverly burst in with a group of friends. ‘This looks like a
party
!’ she exclaimed, swooping down on Liberty. ‘You remember Jett, an’ this is
my
man, Chet.’

Gianna grabbed Jett’s arm. ‘Come,
carino
, we dance,’ she said, dragging him off into the moving throng.

‘You here with Cindi?’ Beverly yelled, over the loud music.

‘I was,’ Liberty shouted back. ‘She’s over there with Slick Jimmy. They seem to have a thing going. I’m leaving soon.’

‘You need a cab?’

‘Damon’s giving me a ride.’

Beverly raised a disapproving eyebrow. ‘Damon?’

‘He’s just dropping me off.’

‘Don’t be forgettin’ what I told you,’ Beverly admonished. ‘Believe me, I’m not interested in seein’ your sorry ass when he sweet-talks you into bed, an’ that’s
it
. Damon’s never gonna change, you’d best remember that.’

‘He’s not sweet-talking me into anything,’ Liberty said, annoyed that Beverly considered her such an easy mark.

‘Hey–you’ve been warned. The man is a
player
, girl, so stay smart.’

‘Thanks for the advice, but I
do
know what I’m doing.’

By the time Damon was ready to leave, another half-hour had passed. Like a fool, Liberty had waited. Mad at herself, yet unable to resist, she had watched him from afar, until eventually he came over, grabbed her hand and led her outside to where his silver Cadillac Escalade with special wheel rims was parked curbside, a female uniformed driver standing to attention next to it.

‘Get in the back, baby,’ Damon ordered.

‘Shouldn’t I give the driver my address?’

‘Thought we’d hit a coupla clubs,’ he said, leaning against the side of the car chewing on a toothpick.

‘I don’t feel like doing that.’

‘Then we’ll stop by a bar, have ourselves a drink, get to know each other.’

‘I’m really tired,’ she said, trying not to sound pissed off, although she was more mad at herself for hanging around waiting for him like some dumb groupie. ‘You took forever,’ she couldn’t help adding.

‘Yeah?’ he said unconcernedly.

‘Yes,’ she answered, realizing she probably sounded like a nagging wife. Too bad. She wasn’t about to jump.

‘So you’re sayin’ you don’t wanna have a drink with me?’ he asked, throwing her a quizzical look. ‘I’m gettin’ a no, right?’

‘It was a long day,’ she said, determined not to back down. ‘I’m ready to go home.’

‘If that’s how you wanna play it.’

‘I’m not
playing
anything,’ she said, tossing back her long hair.

‘No problem. Give my driver your address an’ she’ll
take
you home.’

‘Aren’t you coming?’ she asked, surprised.

‘No. The car’ll come back for me. I’m gonna party some more.’

‘You are?’ she said, strangely disappointed.

‘Got nothin’ else t’ do,’ he said, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. ‘See you tomorrow, LL, six-thirty. Don’t be late.’

‘I–I won’t.’

He started to walk away, then suddenly stopped and fixed her with another look. ‘You
sure
you don’t wanna change your mind?’

‘Positive,’ she said, although she wasn’t positive at all.

Oh, God, if only he wasn’t married…

‘Got it,’ he said, diamonds flashing. ‘See ya.’

And with that he walked back into the house, and she was left by herself with nothing to do except wonder if she’d made the right decision.